Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Game of Thrones - "Lord Snow"

While defined plans have not been concretely laid out after three episodes, there is still a feeling that sharks are circling their prey. The thing is, not all the sharks and prey are aware of their roles. Some characters are just now realizing their true potential.
Jon Snow may be Ned Stark's bastard that was sent to the frozen north to guard a huge wall, but he is quickly realizing that he could be a leader of men. Tyrion Lannister certainly sees it and his advice guides Jon into taking the men that he brutally beat in sword practice under his wing, rather than potentially become a target of their jealousy. Tyrion says he traveled to see the wall for himself, but could his real intentions been to set Jon Snow on this path of self-realization?

Meanwhile, across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys Targaryen is becoming aware of the power that may be with in her grasp. She can stop a huge caravan of warriors and when her brother Viserys viciously chastises her for it, one of her husband's warriors savagely interrupts him with a whip around the throat. This is also Viserys reaping the whirlwind that he sowed when he whored out his sister for an army.

Down in King's Landing, Ned Stark is beginning to see that his youngest daughter, Arya may actually have the makings of a warrior, despite her gender. While Ned seems amused at first by her sword training, his grin slowly fades as the practice continued. Could he have a secret weapon in the making?

We got more insight about the politics of King's Landing. The king has the title and the power, but it's the King's Hand (Ned) and the other advisers that keep the realm running on a daily basis. Also, Littlefinger, a former admirer of Cat Stark, could be an intriguing ally for Ned against the machinations of the Lannisters.

'Game of Thrones' continues to deliver a story that is sweeping in scope that looks great and is extremely well acted. A lot of story gets crammed into each hour, but none of the episodes have ever felt over stuffed.